Dawson Lee Kerr
September 17, 2017
Dawson Lee Kerr, age 21, was taken from this life much too soon on Sunday, September 17, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dawson was born the son of Dan and Lori Kerr on July 16, 1996 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was also the brother to his two sisters Tallie and Kailey Kerr.
Dawson graduated from Johnston High School in 2015 where he enjoyed being a member of the swim and cross country teams. After graduation Dawson attended the University of Northern Iowa, but his dreams of becoming an entrepreneur led him to Las Vegas, Nevada where he started his own business with his good friend Nicholas Hogan.
Friends and family would describe Dawson as a fun-loving, free spirited, and passionate individual. Dawson is also well-known for his humor and his ability to make anyone laugh or smile. He had a love for politics, and he wasn’t afraid to share his opinion on just about anything. In his free time and over the summers Dawson spent his time lifeguarding, teaching swim lessons, and canoeing. Family was very important to him and he loved traveling with his parents and sisters, recently all 5 of them went on a summer trip to New York City as well as many other fun trips in the past. He also had a love for hanging out with cousins and family members during holidays and special events. A tribute to who Dawson was can be seen in the numerous friends that have surrounded him during his life. He and his friends enjoyed playing disc golf, going out for sushi, and being a part of a fantasy football league in the fall and winter, along with many other fun activities.
Those left to cherish his memory are Dan, Lori, Kailey, and Tallie; as well as his maternal grandparents Jean and Roger Zimmerman; paternal grandparents Joan and Dave Jacobsen; his uncles, Brad (Tami) Kerr, Todd Kerr, Todd Zimmerman and Troy (Kimberly) Zimmerman; aunt Lisa Meek; and cousins Zak (Jen) Kerr, Alex Kerr, Paige (Tyler) Schmeling, Lauren Zimmerman, Eleanor Meek, Zachary and Makayla Zimmerman.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017, at Johnston Evangelical Free Church, 9901 NW 62 nd Ave, Johnston, with visitation of friends and family prior to the service, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Private family burial will be held at Lincoln Cemetery in Polk City.
Memorial contributions may be directed to any Veridian Community Credit Union under the name of Dawson Kerr Memorial (member number: 8985460), funds will be contributed to organizations that inspire young swimmers.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Norm and Jill Wurzer
09/24/2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this terrible time. May you find strength and comfort in friends, family, and memories.
Angie Umthun-Becker
09/24/2017
Lori & family, I am so, so sorry for your loss. I will keep Dawson and your entire family in my prayers!
Laura Luetje
09/24/2017
Our son, Carter, had the privilege of meeting Dawson 3 years ago at Suzanne's. Carter was three at the time and Dawson became one of his most treasured friends. He talked about him daily and he put the picture of the two of them next to his bed. I thought after swim lessons ended for the summer that he would forget but he didn't. Dawson was amazing with Carter and that formed a bond. In those short periods over 2 summers he touched the life of my child and our family and he won't be forgotten. The perception of a child says it all and Carter saw and knew how awesome Dawson was! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With Deepest Sympathy, The Luetje's
DUANE & Pat Lynch
09/23/2017
Dan & family- our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your friends in New Hampton , Duane& Pat Lynch
Gretchen (Gitch) Warkentin
09/23/2017
Dan and Family,
Words cannot express how saddened I was to hear of your son's death. Embrace the love and support of your family and friends.
Melissa Harlan
09/23/2017
Lori,
No words can express how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Melissa Harlan
Soleil Salazar
09/23/2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kerr family during this sad time. I had the absolute pleasure of working with Dawson. He would lifeguard in the early mornings with me while I coached. If anyone could make someone laugh or smile that early it was definitely him. He had such a positive spirit. Dawson was so determined to reach his goals and dreams and I always enjoyed hearing about them every week. He was the light in our work place. I will never forget those memories we shared at work. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this time of grief.
Brooke Von Stein
09/22/2017
Lori, thinking of you and your family during this difficult time!
Deb Vail
09/22/2017
Dear Lori and family -
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Although I didn't know him, your son sounded like a wonderful person. You and your family will be in my prayers. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Larry Mahlstedt
09/22/2017
I am sorry to hear loss, my thoughts and prayers go out your family.
Larry Mahlstedt
Tom, Marcie, Madison & Sidnie Morris
09/22/2017
We are so sorry to hear about Dawson. Our deepest sympathy. The Morris Family
Mary Bing
09/22/2017
By reading about your son it appears he had impacted the lives of family and friends with his fun and positive spirit. Lori, I was a teacher associate at Crestview last year, wanted to let you know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Angie Spangler, Kassidy & Lila
09/22/2017
We are so sorry for your loss of Dawson. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Please know we are here if you need anything at all. With love!
Jackie Eppard
09/22/2017
Dan, Lori, Kailey and Tallie,
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Dawson's passing. Fun memories of the kids playing together on Nottingham. You are in our prayers. Jackie, Doug, Lincoln and Bailey.
Larry Anderson
09/22/2017
Dan and family...........my thoughts and prayers go out to you all and may the memories that you hold so dear give you comfort in this difficult time.